West Vancouver, B.C. – Lynne Block for West Vancouver-Capilano, along with MLA Linda Hepner, Conservative Critic for Housing, are calling on the provincial government to show greater respect, transparency, and collaboration in directing housing growth in municipalities such as West Vancouver.
A recent legally binding directive from the Ministry of Housing requiring increased density targets in Park Royal, Taylor Way, Ambleside, and Dundarave by December 31, 2025, has sparked serious concerns about local autonomy and the erosion of constructive consultation.
“We support increasing housing supply and affordability across British Columbia. However, we do not support heavy-handed directives that sideline communities, override local plans, or impose unclear expectations,” said Lynne Block, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano and Conservative Shadow Critic for Education.
“West Vancouver has a proud tradition of thoughtful, deliberate planning rooted in community input, livability, and long-term sustainability. The province should respect this process and work in genuine partnership, not impose rushed timelines and political posturing without clarity,” Block added.
The timing of the directive, issued just days after a cabinet shuffle replacing Minister Ravi Kahlon with Minister Christine Boyle, has added confusion and uncertainty. According to a North Shore News article released on July 22, Mayor Mark Sager confirmed that a meeting had been scheduled with Minister Kahlon to discuss the district’s housing strategy.
“‘Kahlon had actually agreed to meet with me this Wednesday,’ said Sager. ‘Now that he’s been replaced, I am seeking a meeting with the new minister to continue the discussion.’”
Issuing such a directive during the summer recess, while municipal councils are not sitting and a new minister is just assuming the file, raises questions about the Province’scommitment to transparent and meaningful engagement.
West Vancouver has already demonstrated its commitment to managed growth through projects like Cypress Village, a 3,700-home neighbourhood developed after years of public consultation and careful environmental consideration.
“The BC Conservative Caucus supports housing strategies that fit the community and are context-specific, rather than one-size-fits-all mandates,” said Linda Hepner, MLA Surrey-Serpentine River and Conservative Critic for Housing. “Top-down decisions erode local democracy and public trust. Increased density must be matched with provincial investments in transit, roads, schools, and services to ensure balanced growth.”
Block expressed concern that the government appears to be unfairly singling out West Vancouver, characterizing the community in a negative light rather than engaging collaboratively with the municipality.
“We back measures that empower families and encourage homeownership, not just rapid construction targets. True housing progress requires mutual respect, meaningful partnership, and thoughtful timelines, not rushed deadlines or political grandstanding,” Block concluded.
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Media Contact: Ryan Painter
Director of Communications
Conservative Caucus Communications Team
1-672-922-1766
Ryan.painter@leg.bc.ca